Dad's Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey Finished in Port Wine Barrels

I'm a big fan of all kinds of ryes and finished whiskies. I've had many sherry-finished American whiskeys, but I don't believe I've ever had a port-finished American whiskey. So, seeing this bottle on the shelf made the decision easy. I haven't tried a Dad's Hat rye before, so I can't distinguish the finish from the base spirit. This is a classic Pennsylvania Rye with a mashbill of 80% rye, 15% barley malt, and 5% rye malt. I anticipate a full flavor experience. I tasted it neat in a glencairn. The pour displays a dark rose copper color with good sheeting and thick legs after swirling. The nose is bold, offering notes of cedar, ripe orchard fruits, allspice, fruitcake, and port wine. It's very aromatic with much to appreciate. What's not prominent on the nose, even after letting the glass rest for about 15 minutes, is alcohol. This is a very clean, tidy, and lovely dram. On the palate, it's creamy, sweet, and just slightly peppery. The barrel influence is quite noticeable, and the port wine barrel contribution is beautifully present, forming a base for the rye's baking spice characteristics. A viscous wash of dessert flavors precedes the mid-palate wood. There's a very slight hint of lemon pith on the tongue towards the end, before a slow, gentle fade into white pepper and caramel. It's very easy to drink. This is good. I slightly prefer the Belle Meade Cask Strength Sherry Finish, likely due to its higher proof and bolder character. At 94 proof, Dad's Hat is not weak, but its comfortable profile makes it feel soft and inviting, much like a 1972 Buick LeSabre – just slow down and savor the experience. I definitely like this more than the Belle Meade non-cask version. The very reasonable price for this bottle makes it easy to recommend. It tastes great, offers complexity for experienced palates, and remains sweet and creamy for those new to rye. If you enjoy finished whiskey or are a Speyside or Highland fan looking for something new, Dad's Hat has much to offer. This makes for a very pleasant after-dinner drink to enjoy with a cigar.

Nose: Earthy and herbal rye grain, dill, mint, white tea, roasted turkey(?). Notable red wine notes (obviously from the finishing) that add red fruit and apple. Maybe a dash of charcoal cooked coconut, and ethanol - a decent blast to the nose. It is undeniably a young rye nose. Palate: Caramel, dried herbs, rye bread, sweet red fruit, good round butterscotch notes when you hold it on the tongue a bit, mint, white tea, fresh cracked rainbow pepper. Gets very herbal if you draw air across it - like you went to your spice rack and dumped all the dried herbs right on your tongue. Okay, not that bad, but pretty intense. Finish: More dried herbs, dill, red wine, boozy cooked caramel, dash of oak, dash of black pepper. As young rye goes, this is surprisingly drinkable. Have to think that port finish softens some serious edges in the unfinished rye. It's a solid dram and I've enjoyed it even though I tend to prefer the more Christmas-y flavored ryes (love me some bonded Old Overholt). This is more of the green rye grain type of rye - not as green as some I've tried, somewhere in the middle really. But I think it gets to the middle because of the port finish, not because of the underlying juice. Anyway, this is young, it drinks pretty young, and I'm hard pressed to recommend it to all but the most rye-loving drinkers out there. I also can't figure what justifies the price - maybe I over-paid, but this feels like a $20-25 bottle, not $40.

Served neat, the nose presents notes of toasted caramel and toffee, with a subtle hint of tannin, likely from the port barrels. Tasting it neat, there's some heat from the 94 proof, along with more toasted toffee and a touch of sweet port. Adding a splash of water reduces the heat and allows more of the toasted fruit and toffee flavors to emerge. A delightful treat.

Nose: Cedar, milk chocolate with a hint of mint. Like a thin mint on a cedar plank. Palate: Viscous and sweet. Chocolate continues with a mix of spice. Mid palate the sweetness hits a curb and goes bitter and astringent. Finish: Bitter and charred oak. Continues with a semi-sweet chocolate with that spearmint hitting again.

A bold and assertive pour. A sharp heat from youth, with expected vanilla and caramel notes. The port finish adds a viscous quality, similar to syrup. I can't compare it to anything I've experienced. While I respect its uniqueness, it's not for me.

Excellent, smooth sipper that is incredibly well-priced and likely overlooked. As a port barrel finished rye, I believe I need to compare this side-by-side with A Midwinter's Night Dram. It might be comparable at just over half the price.